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Used Future
by
Used Future Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length release for the Texas hard rock/metal band was produced and mixed by Tucker Martine.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    Mar 23, 2018
    80
    Generously spackled with clever instrumental bits and imaginative but never flowery lyrics, Used Future is the most effective and compelling distillation of the Sword 2.0.'s sound to date.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 6, 2018
    70
    It all gives the impression that The Sword, lost in their own reverie, won't notice whether you listen or not. But you should. [May 2018, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Kerrang!
    Mar 23, 2018
    60
    Used Future comes embedded in a murderous groove and with enough trippy melodies to give off a genuinely psychedelic edge. [17 Mar 2018, p.55]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The A.V. Club
    Mar 23, 2018
    58
    Without the stone-age shredding that was once this band’s life purpose, Used Future is just nostalgic affectation, with the added anti-bonus of pushing frontman John D. Cronise’s Ozzy-lite enunciations and corny lyrics--like those of the vixen-fearing cautionary tale “Deadly Nightshade”--into the unflattering limelight.
  5. Exclaim
    Mar 23, 2018
    50
    The band maintain a proficiency at writing catchy riffs and intoxicating grooves, merging the likes of Sabbath with ZZ-Top, but the feeling of repetition, combined with a lack of impact like they used to have, may leave fans wanting.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Jun 28, 2018
    40
    Sixth album Used Future revs up behind "Deadly Nightshade," an ass-kicking rocker showcasing the local quartet at its bombastic best. Alas, the Sword doesn't stay in its wheelhouse. While "Book of Thoth" and "Twilight Sunrise" stick the same landing, the title track swims in the neo-classic rock waters in which the band has recently waded, now gone tepid.

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. fwtll636
    May 13, 2018
    8
    On their sixth studio album 'Used Future', The Sword take a step back from progressive metal and focus on writing catchy, slightly linear rockOn their sixth studio album 'Used Future', The Sword take a step back from progressive metal and focus on writing catchy, slightly linear rock songs. This switch could be seen as a negative, but it makes their music more accessible and easier to swallow.… Expand
  2. thorin_bane
    Sep 3, 2018
    3
    Mostly uninspiring and not catchy enough like a pop song it all feels flat and lifeless. You don't need to want another warp riders, but comeMostly uninspiring and not catchy enough like a pop song it all feels flat and lifeless. You don't need to want another warp riders, but come on guys this simply isn't good enough. I feel like I am watching a lesser version of Metallica falling onto its face, instead of a Rush progression to different sounds. BTW Rush went back to its hard rock past-might be a hint for The Sword too!… Expand

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